Fed watchdog confirms findings that FDA mishandled 2022 infant formula crisis, GOP congresswoman

A House GOP panel chairperson said Monday that a federal watchdog has confirmed the Food and Drug Administration mishandled the 2022 infant formula crisis, making the situation worse. 

The audit was conducted by the inspector general for the Department of Health and Human Services.

“The long-awaited audit by HHS’ OIG confirms findings by the House Oversight Committee that the 2022 nationwide infant formula crisis was exacerbated by dysfunction and delay within the FDA," said Rep. Lisa McClain, chairwoman of the Food and Drug Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services.

The Michigan Republican also said the audit confirms testimony by multiple former FDA officials before the subcommittee that the agency's failure to heed whistleblower warnings, failure to conduct adequate inspections and slow responsiveness had "serious implications." 

"We are going to continue to use the tool of oversight to ensure that the FDA implements the recommendations in this report, makes necessary adjustments to their policies and procedures, and finally holds affiliated parties accountable” she also said.